Cultivars

Sowing the seeds

Sow seeds into warm soil (1 to 2 weeks after the last frost) at 1 to 1 ½ inches deep. Distance between seeds, 2 to 4 inches. Distance between rows 2 to 3 feet.

Harvesting

Pods should be firm and crisp at harvest; the seeds inside should be undeveloped or very small. Hold stem with one hand and pod with the other to avoid pulling off branches that will produce later pickings. Pick all pods to keep plants productive. (http://garden.org/plantguide/index.php?q=show&id=2107)

BEANS – POLE

Direct sow planting, warm season crop

Cultivars

Scarlett Runner

Lima

Windsor Broad

French – harvest like a bush bean

Sowing the seeds

Sow seeds into warm soil (1 to 2 weeks after the last frost) at 1 to 1 ½ inches deep. Distance between seeds, 2 to 4 inches. Distance between rows 2 to 3 feet. Set up trellis or teepee system when sowing the seeds.

Harvesting

Let the seeds develop in the pods to the point where the pod is lumpy but are green and soft and have not dried out. Pick the pods and shell them to use the beans.

BEANS – DRIED

Direct sow planting, warm season crop

Cultivars

Dry Cannellini

Sowing the seeds

Sow seeds into warm soil (1 to 2 weeks after the last frost) at 1 to 1 ½ inches deep. Distance between seeds, 2 to 4 inches. Distance between rows 2 to 3 feet. Set up trellis or teepee system when sowing the seeds.

Harvesting

Let seeds develop fully and wait until the pods completely dry out. Pick beans, shell them and dry on a cookie sheet for one to two days and store in an airtight container.